Chapter 16 - My kick
My case resolved separately.
The prosecutor had bodycam? No bodycam at the gala.
Security video.
Witnesses.
I kicked Chloe immediately after she struck Lily.
Could defense of another justify force?
Potentially.
Was the exact instant after the slap still an immediate threat?
Debatable.
Chloe’s hand had dropped.
I had already moved between them.
I chose not to turn that gray area into a year-long moral trial.
The prosecutor offered diversion.
No conviction if completed.
Eight hours of conflict-management education.
Twenty hours of community service.
No unlawful contact with Chloe.
I accepted.
Lily later asked:
“Did you get in trouble for kicking her?”
“A little.”
“But she hit me.”
“Yes.”
“Then why?”
“Because adults still have rules about force.”
“That’s dumb.”
“Sometimes.”
“Would you kick her again?”
Dangerous question.
I answered carefully.
“I would get you away from danger. I hope I would stop once you were safe.”
She thought.
“You were really mad.”
“Yes.”
“Me too.”
May you like
Five-year-old justice.
Honest.
